Gray Letters 1859 08 01

The image is a handwritten letter dated August 2, 1857, from Benicia. The letter is written in cursive on lined paper and is addressed to "Mr. Samuel C. Gray." The writer begins with "Enclosed I send you," mentioning a sum of fifty dollars owed by Eugene Kelly & Co. by the Overland Mail. It notes the payment was sent via a check and further details if this method fails, other arrangements might be needed. The author describes intentions to leave for San Francisco that night with additional correspondence to follow by mail. The letter discusses business activities, including some stores closing and opening, as well as the potential impact on local commerce. It conveys the writer's observations about the general business climate, hopes for improvements.